Woman, 18, grabbed on night out in High Street, Watford

The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, was walking past The Moon Under Water pub in High Street with five female friends when he approached her.

She said: “He grabbed me by the arm and said ‘you're coming with me’ and despite my friends trying to get him off he would not let go and kept saying ‘she’s coming with me’."

The man eventually released her and walked away.

Following the incident on Friday, October 8, she said it was the first time she had contact with him but claimed the same thing happened to her friend at the same spot on a previous occasion.

The Moon Under Water, High Street, Watford

He is described as around 5”6, dark skinned, was wearing a grey hooded popper jacket, skinny jeans and Nike trainers, and looked around 30 years old.

She added: “The police did not do anything about it.

“This happened to many girls and I think more people should be aware of it.”

A Herts Police spokesperson said CCTV footage shows the suspect grab the victim’s arm and walk alongside her for a few seconds but there is no evidence he tried to drag her away.

The group then demands he leave them alone and he walks off.

Watford Chief Inspector Ian Grout said: “This must have been an unpleasant and unsettling incident for the victim and her friends, who were just trying to enjoy a night out together.

Watford town centre

“They did the right thing and approached a female police officer a short time later to report what had happened, before an initial statement was taken on the night.

“The officers had no concern for her welfare and were satisfied she was safe to continue her evening with friends.”

Police contacted the victim again two days later for a full statement and the man in the footage has been identified with an interview set to be scheduled.

Following a full review of police actions, which included looking at body worn camera footage, CI Grout said: “Reports of this nature are naturally concerning but I am satisfied that we acted proportionately in response to the information we were provided with at the time of the incident.

“We understand that some people are concerned there have been multiple reports involving a man matching the description of the suspect but I can confirm that we have not received or linked any previous reports to this person of interest.

“We are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the incident and we’d like to reassure residents and visitors to Watford that there will continue to be an increased high-visibility police presence in the town centre on the weekends.”

To report anything connected to this incident contact the police quoting reference 41/78466/21.